Whereas, Farmers’ Markets across the country offer consumers farm-fresh, affordable, convenient, and healthy products such as fruits, vegetables cheeses, herbs, flowers, baked goods, and meats; and,

Whereas, Farmers’ Markets serve as integral links between urban, suburban, and rural communities, affording farmers and their customers the opportunity to interact; and,

Whereas, Farmers’ Markets support local anti-hunger initiatives, through which farmers donate unsold food and food products to programs that feed the needy; and,

Whereas, Farmers’ Markets contribute to both the Michigan economy and the overall health of Michigan’s citizens; and,

Whereas, Michigan has a Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program known as Project FRESH that served more than 38,000 low income women and children in 2005; and,

Whereas, 761 Michigan farmers participated in the Project FRESH program and made over $538,000 in produce sales in 2005; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of August 7, 2006, as Farmers’ Market Week in Michigan.